Mud Slides Temporarily Close Willow Creek Road in Bitterroot

Two forest roads in the Willow Creek area east of Corvallis were closed due to several mud slides.

Bitterroot National Forest Public Affairs Officer Tod McKay said roads #364 and #969 had areas covered by mud, rocks and debris. The damage occurred Tuesday, apparently due to this week's lengthy rainstorm. And crews have been looking for further slides.

Slides happened near the junction with Butterfly Road, below the Willow Creek trailhead. Barricades went up and the roads will remain closed until repairs are completed, McKay reported. Work began Wednesday.

McKay said the heaviest rainfall was on the east side of the valley in the Sapphire Mountains, with a new record at Gird Point - over 3.7 inches of rain within 48 hours. There were over 2 inches of rain at these stations - Sawmill Creek, Deer Mountain and Tepee Point.

McKay urged forest visitors to be cautious. If you notice any damage on forest roads, please notify the Bitterroot National Forest as soon as possible.